Alabama and Mississippi legislators will take the field in the second annual “Battle of Tombigbee” charity softball game on April 23 at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m..

Proceeds will benefit Children’s of Alabama, a nationally ranked pediatric hospital that serves patients from across the state and beyond.

Alabama House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R–Hartselle), who helped organize the series, said he’s excited to defend last year’s title, when Alabama defeated Mississippi 7–5 in the inaugural matchup.

“The Alabama Legislature proudly brought home the championship belt in the inaugural game played in Mississippi last year, and we look forward to keeping the belt in its place of honor at the State House for another year,” Stadthagen said.

“But regardless of which state wins on the scoreboard, the real winners will be Children’s of Alabama and the young patients who will receive world-class care with the money we raise.”

The game is named after the Tombigbee River, which runs through both states. Last year’s event, held in Pearl, Mississippi, raised funds for Children’s of Mississippi.

This year’s ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Anne Phillips Arrington, a Montgomery fourth-grader and Children’s of Alabama patient. After undergoing a leg amputation due to osteosarcoma, Arrington has competed in two 5K races and now plays basketball with a prosthetic leg.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].